The Houston Astros are going to need to make some moves in the near future if they are going to try and compete in the second half of the season. There are only a few major league level players who could fetch them any prospects in the process. Without wanting to give up any major talent at the major league level or in the farm system, the Astros should think about moving only players who are expendable. Chris Carter is one of those players.

Carter has gotten hot as of late, and he isn’t in the long-term plans for the Astros. It is the perfect time to try and move him. The Astros should be able to get some bullpen help, which they desperately need, for Carter’s power bat. There is no reason to think he could fetch anything substantial, but the Astros don’t need substantial; they need consistent.

Carter offers another team power and that’s about it. He has 19 home runs on the year and 40 RBIs. He has raised his average slightly to .205, but that is no selling point. He will probably have to be traded to an American League team that needs another look at their designated hitter.

In return, the Astros should not be picky as to what they get back for Carter. He has some value, but not enough for general manager Jeff Luhnow to play hardball with another team. If the Astros can get an offer of a middle reliever or even a near the end of the game reliever who is consistent and has pitched well, they should take it. Even if the pitcher isn’t quite ready for the majors yet, he would still be an asset.

The one thing the Astros should not do is take someone else’s garbage. They do not need another reliever near their career’s end who will only help them this year. The Astros, as always, have to think long-term. There is no need for anyone over the age of 28. Their minors are filled with pitchers younger than 28 who could be of some help in the bullpen.

Lucas Davis is a Houston Astros writer for Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter @LDinthe260, like him on Facebook or add him to your Google network.

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